Cowboys Trade for George Pickens in Play?

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys, even as Round 1 of the NFL Draft has come and gone, still have multiple options to fill their No. 2 receiver void.

And representatives of two NFL teams who CowboysCountry.com are speaking to believe a "splash'' remains in play.

These two rival team reps aren't exactly predicting that the Cowboys will make a blockbuster move by acquiring disgruntled George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade.

But they tell us they can envision it.

To us? There are trade puzzle pieces that fit. Yes, the Cowboys need a receiver.

But this scenario is hard to wrap our heads around, for three major reasons.

1. Trade Habits "Jerry likes making big splash trades'' is a concept from another era.

Yes, this week, owner Jerry Jones told a handful of us here at The Star that the team is working on two "substantive'' trades.

Oh, and there is this: COO Stephen Jones just went on 105.3 The Fan on Friday to testify that those possible trades are still alive.

But "splash'' isn't normally how the Cowboys do business anymore.

The Cowboys are notorious for bringing a methodical approach to team management. They generally draft well. They develop those players into stars. Then they either let them walk or re-sign them in a low-spending free agency.

They don't usually play real-life fantasy football and make trades for guys like George Pickens.

As much as Cowboys Nation wants a big swing here - and as much as we're not closing the door - Pickens doesn't fit that mold.

2. Locker-Room Culture Pickens' behavior in the NFL so far does not make you confident he can thrive in any locker room you throw him in.

And to a man, under new coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys being signed are "character guys.''

Pickens is known for tantrums, immaturity, and lack of accountability.

In an organization that is in a "culture-shift" of sorts with the losses to veterans like Zack Martin, Jourdan Lewis, and DeMarcus Lawrence, a simple fix would be to avoid the guy who is an infamously time bomb ready to explode.

Maybe George can be coached out of this. But Pickens - who this week pouted about something by unfollowing the Steelers on social media - seems like a powder keg taking on a lit match.

3. Money Plans Aside from his extracurriculars, we have no problem with George Pickens the football player.

He is an athletic and rangy target with good size at 6-3 and youth. He will make a great impact in the NFL for years to come. Someday, we bet he matures - the former second-round pick just turned a tender 24 - and puts the silliness behind him.

Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens and a new just-drafted starting running back? Sounds fun.

But what about ...

Money?

Pickens is entering the final year of his cheap rookie contract (making $4.1 million) and in 2026 might command an APY of $30 million.

Will the Cowboys pay top dollar to a No. 2 receiver with Lamb already making $35 million a year?

Dallas giving up a pick in this draft to do this? Conceivable.

The Cowboys' search for a second receiver powering them to overcome the other obstacles? Our 2 sources are buying it.

We'll keep watching.